“Canada welcomes the decision of the President of Ukraine to release former Interior Minister Yuri Lutsenko from prison.

“This act of clemency is an important step in helping Mr. Lutsenko receive the medical care he requires and for which Canada has consistently advocated.

“Canada continues to call on Ukraine to fairly and transparently address concerns about judicial independence, and undertake the necessary reforms to support the institutions upon which a peaceful, prosperous and democratic society depends.

“We will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine as they seek to build a nation founded on the values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”